They are all based on hearsay evidence and do not amount to any compelling evidence for the existence of Jesus, and certainly not for what he eventually became in the minds of devout believers (largely thanks to Paul who took hold of this conceptual personage, clothed him, and supplied him with ideas).

Not a single one of the writers given on your list (which, of course, is not yours) gives a source or backs up his claim with evidential material.

And how desperate is it that believers have to go to supposed secular sources in an attempt to justify their otherwise insupportable beliefs?

But let me clarify. I personally have no problem in accepting that there likely was a real historical character behind the legendary and apotheosized Jesus Christ.

It is True that there wasn't a First Century CNN News Crew taping Every Thing The Lord Jesus (The Christ) of Nazareth did and said ... (And as far as we now know, He apparently didn't "save" any e-Mails or Cell-Phone Text Messages ...) ...

But Paul's Letters, e.g., date from less than a Generation Post-Resurrection, "Luke" was apparently a Missionary Companion of Paul and reports that he conducted thorough Interviews to arrive at HIS Gospel ...

Rather than worrying and complaining about The Record we DON'T have, I "go with" the Records we DO have ... It's not an All-or-Nothing Question ...

But Paul's Letters, e.g., date from less than a Generation Post-Resurrection, "Luke" was apparently a Missionary Companion of Paul and reports that he conducted thorough Interviews to arrive at HIS Gospel ...

Read Luke 1:1-4 carefully. He did not say that he conducted interviews.

Namchuck: They are all based on hearsay evidence and do not amount to any compelling evidence for the existence of Jesus, and certainly not for what he eventually became in the minds of devout believers (largely thanks to Paul who took hold of this conceptual personage, clothed him, and supplied him with ideas).

Not a single one of the writers given on your list (which, of course, is not yours) gives a source or backs up his claim with evidential material.

And how desperate is it that believers have to go to supposed secular sources in an attempt to justify their otherwise insupportable beliefs?

But let me clarify. I personally have no problem in accepting that there likely was a real historical character behind the legendary and apotheosized Jesus Christ.

iama: Wait a minute! You asked for secular sources.

If you study the following charts, you will realize that your objections are addressed:

The wonder of Christmas is that the God Who dwelt among us, now, can dwell within us. - Roy Lessin."Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.".Justice is receiving what you deserve.Mercy is NOT receiving what you deserve.Grace is receiving what you DO NOT deserve..

Tielhard: But Paul's Letters, e.g., date from less than a Generation Post-Resurrection, "Luke" was apparently a Missionary Companion of Paul and reports that he conducted thorough Interviews to arrive at HIS Gospel ...

Ken: Read Luke 1:1-4 carefully. He did not say that he conducted interviews.

iama: Reading Luke 1:1-4, what are we told by Luke, according to your reading / understanding of the text? What did Luke say?

The wonder of Christmas is that the God Who dwelt among us, now, can dwell within us. - Roy Lessin."Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.".Justice is receiving what you deserve.Mercy is NOT receiving what you deserve.Grace is receiving what you DO NOT deserve..